BASE Jumping Switzerland
Switzerland is the world capital of BASE jumping. The Lauterbrunnen valley, with its 300-metre cliff walls and 72 waterfalls, draws BASE jumpers and wingsuit pilots from every country. Here is everything you need to know about the sport.
Start with a Tandem JumpBASE Jumping in Switzerland
From the Lauterbrunnen cliffs to the Eiger – the world's premier BASE destination
BASE Jumping in Switzerland – A Complete Overview
The world's most famous BASE destination and how to get there
BASE jumping – jumping from fixed objects (Buildings, Antennae, Spans/bridges, Earth/cliffs) with a parachute – has its world capital in the Lauterbrunnen valley in the canton of Bern. The valley's 300-metre-high cliff walls, its 72 waterfalls, and the proximity of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau make it the most concentrated and varied BASE jumping terrain on Earth. Hundreds of experienced BASE jumpers visit each year, primarily during summer months.
Switzerland also hosts significant BASE activity at the Eiger (exits from the summit and the Eigerjoch), various locations in the Valais (including spots near Verbier and Leuk) and in the Graubünden (Davos area, Inn valley cliffs). The sport is legal in Switzerland but strongly regulated – only experienced jumpers with proper insurance and permissions may jump from Swiss cliffs.
The Lauterbrunnen valley – world's premier BASE location
Lauterbrunnen's cliff exits are concentrated along both sides of the valley, many accessible by cable car or a short hike. The most famous exits include the High Ultimate, the Mushroom and various cliff exits above Wengen and Mürren. The valley also serves as a corridor for wingsuit flights from the Eiger's north ridge – among the most technically demanding flights in the sport. The local BASE community is international and well-organised, with informal networks for experienced jumpers seeking guiding or local knowledge.
Legal and practical requirements in Switzerland
BASE jumping from Swiss cliffs is generally permitted on public land, but restrictions apply in some cantonal parks and nature reserves. All BASE jumpers in Switzerland should carry adequate liability insurance (standard skydiving/BASE insurance from a recognised insurer). Helicopter rescue costs in the Alps are significant – comprehensive mountain rescue coverage is essential. Contact the Swiss Base Association or experienced local jumpers for current access information before visiting.
How to get started in BASE jumping
The standard path to BASE jumping begins with skydiving. Most BASE training programmes require a minimum of 200 skydiving jumps, including canopy-skills training, tracking jumps, and ideally some freestyle or freefly experience. After skydiving experience, a formal first jump course (FJC) with a certified BASE instructor is required. FJCs are offered by various European BASE schools – ask at Swiss drop zones for recommendations. The entire journey from zero to BASE typically takes 1–3 years of active skydiving.
Start with a tandem skydive
If you've been drawn to BASE jumping by videos of Lauterbrunnen flights and want to get into the sport, the correct first step is a tandem skydive at a certified Swiss drop zone. This gives you a direct experience of freefall and canopy flight, helps you understand whether the sport is right for you, and begins the progression towards eventual AFF training and independent jumping. Many of the world's best BASE jumpers started exactly here.
The Path from Skydiving to BASE Jumping
The standard progression for anyone interested in BASE
Tandem Skydive
Experience freefall for the first time. Understand canopy flight. Confirm this is the direction you want to go. For many, the tandem jump is the moment they decide skydiving is a path, not just a one-off.
AFF Course & Licence
Complete an AFF course (8 levels, CHF 3,200–4,500) and earn your Swiss Skydiving licence. Begin building jump numbers, canopy control skills and body awareness in freefall.
200+ Jumps & Skills Development
Accumulate 200+ jumps including tracking, canopy piloting, freefly and formation work. This builds the core skills BASE demands: accurate deployment, fast canopy assessment and precise landing.
BASE First Jump Course
Complete a certified BASE FJC with an experienced instructor. Learn BASE-specific equipment, exit technique, single-parachute emergency procedures and site selection. Your first cliffs await.
FAQ – BASE Jumping Switzerland
Common questions about BASE jumping in Switzerland
No. BASE jumping requires a minimum of approximately 200 skydiving jumps before a first jump course (FJC) is typically accepted. There is no equivalent of a "tandem BASE jump" for beginners. The starting point for anyone interested in BASE is a tandem skydive, followed by an AFF course and building jump numbers over 1–3 years.
BASE jumping from natural cliff exits is generally legal in Switzerland on public land, subject to cantonal restrictions and nature reserve rules. Adequate liability and rescue insurance is required. The Lauterbrunnen valley is well-established and has an active local BASE community. Always check current access permissions for specific exits.
Lauterbrunnen offers the highest concentration of accessible cliff exits in the world, with walls rising up to 300m on both sides of the valley. The proximity of cable cars and hiking trails makes exits accessible. The valley also channels into alpine terrain suitable for wingsuit proximity flying. It draws more BASE jumpers annually than any other single location on Earth.
Start Your Journey with a Tandem Skydive
The first step toward BASE – skydiving locations across Switzerland
More About Skydiving in Switzerland
From your first jump to advanced disciplines